Sunday, 22 May 2011

California Cheatin'

Photo - Venice Beach, L.A. Friday night.

So I am still not really here (still there...) but as I am currently visiting this week's Poetry Jam host (in California, darling) it seemed very rude not to at least try to join in. Her two prompts are both great (they're here) and if I was at home and working as normal I would probably write new poems for both of them but as it is... I am not and so I won't. Truth be told I've barely written a line of poetry since we've been away... and I don't say that in any kind of bad or sad way - if anything it's been a really pleasant change. I feel very free of anything to say just now - just happy looking.

So what to post..? I have an oldish poem about the politics of kids' playgrounds and parenting and it is mainly about Dads so I thought I'd go with this one (I don't think it's been on the blog before... I might be wrong of course... it's not coming up in the search anyway). I do have lots of poems about my own Dad (of course!) but I'm really not in the mood for any of them right now. So here is the playground one... and maybe I'll get to honky tonk when I get home...

Dads army

In combat trousersSome longSome shortThey wear the modern camouflageFor parks and play areasIt's a mustThe beige and grey and khaki greenNice modern men blend inAvoid unnecessary conversationsMums can't seem to dodge so wellThese are the loaded guns"He's very small isn't he?""Does she eat fruit?""Oh, an only child"

Shaven headsSunglassesTrainers in winterMaybe risking open sandalsIn summerBut in a neutral colourDads keep their mouths closedTheir eyes and ears openNot at war but always preparedThey don't fall in trapsMums could learn a lot from their approachNo hearts on sleevesNo nervous witteringNo defensive playJust cropped heads steadyResolve firmNo time wastedWe're here to play, kidsSo play

I had not considered kids play from the dad's perspective .. it's interesting, when my boys were growing up fathers 'playing' with their sons was a rare sight. Times have changed ... I so enjoyed reading your poem.

It's funny bringing out old poems... a bit like looking at old photos of yourself and not quite recognising everything. I'm glad this one still has something to it though. I did find dealing with other parents (the competitive breed) the hardest part of early parenthood though they bother me less now... my skin has hardened a little. I think I was surprised at first how thoughtless and nasty some people could be... that's my naivety though perhaps! x